Exclusive featurette from Dustin Hoffman's new movie 'Quartet'

10 October 2012, 12:19

To celebrate Giuseppe Verdi's birthday, Classic FM brings you the first look at a featurette from the new film directed by Dustin Hoffman and starring Dame Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Michael Gambon and Tom Courtenay.

Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut 'Quartet' tells the story of a home for retired opera singers, and Classic FM has an exclusive featurette. The film stars Dame Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Michael Gambon and Tom Courtenay, and features music from film composer Dario Marianelli.

The residents of the home celebrate the birthday of Guiseppe Verdi (October 10th) every year with a special concert, but a new arrival (Dame Maggie Smith) causes plans for the concert to unravel.

In this exclusive feauturette, Dustin Hoffman and composer Dario Marianelli discuss the musical content of the film, from using real musicians amongst the actors to staging mini versions of Verdi and Gilbert & Sullivan productions.